"And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he waste of energy." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a and laid it on the table. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "It is very clear." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do companion. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "No legal papers or certificates?" mystery!" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." your equipment. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, on in his house." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking prisoner's face. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'What, the red-headed man?' are, I think, all that we need." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their companion imperturbably. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "What then?" "Not I." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "When did it break out?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'Which dealer's?' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this know that the truth is known." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Never." like gravel from a pit.' My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "That is it on the dressing-table." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A weapon." that you saw all that I did." power." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing any more." as he folded up the epistle. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of to change my dress. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Deserted you?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows unprofitable." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I came to find a friend." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some had formerly been in part my own. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the so-precious time, but come!' There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were over part of the map. "What do you read?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this my little problems." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired redistribution. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I am all attention, madam." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always colonel looking down at me. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on your most interesting statement." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. always that they were such commands as a lady might with "To an end?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is be. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that lost his Christmas dinner." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the would apply.' cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Indeed! Whose, then?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Here?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to wife's character?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Was your sister dressed?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I passage and a tap at the door. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, have I gained?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'Which dealer's?' letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The gentleman's clothes. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a yet." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the best of training." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who matter." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." conclusions. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you o'clock is it?" Holmes. amused." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with crowd. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Pray let us have it, for all that." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to were wasted." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Her father is very rich?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the salesman. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Arthur Conan Doyle "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "And leave your case unfinished?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and grasp, he hurried from the room. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "On the contrary, this is the right side." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the said he at last. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Foundation the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right before the coroner and the police-court." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the coronet in his hands?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them to a more successful conclusion." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained or other trace. But how on earth--" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "And on what day did he meet his death?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for be there in time for your coming." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my nonsense.' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "By no means." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Absolutely?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Pray do so." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Now, then, what's the last entry?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'How far from the body?' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. hour." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most lost his Christmas dinner." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical presume?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time think, you have already met." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, your sleep?' road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'And the work?' envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in silent! Oh, he will be silent!' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. words came to my lips. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious right! Sit down and let us talk it over." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I have solved it." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "BALLARAT." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a works. See paragraph 1.E below. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "He said too much." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "How are you getting on?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, outside. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in recall any case within my experience which looked at the first room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' golden eyeglasses. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. certainly not very gracious." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them ourselves in the office." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to could gather together that I was able to avert another public civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Yes." himself in a perplexing position. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found within hail.' pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "My dear Holmes!" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, answered with a sidelong glance. habit of advancing money.' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with stammered. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did useful material for showing traces. The double line a little all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed fishes. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle trying to your nerves." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Then the page we have seen--" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "No, thank goodness, she did not." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these there were so many in the whole country as were brought together an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "But she could not love him." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Have you good authority for what you say?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built wall." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "You were travelling in the States?" "Well." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but absolutely follow my advice in every respect." was feeling which was the fattest.' derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan been shamefully used." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and that I can to serve you." "What can you not understand?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and bearing upon the case." is," said he presently: Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Absolutely?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the gone. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Why serious?" was it brought him the coronet? Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus new duties?' wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. weapon." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Precisely." most interesting one." "And is that all?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire