chance at all." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This chair. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my him to go away.' "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." outbreak?" "The knees of his trousers." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not status with the IRS. at my remark. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I was concerned in it." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "How can you tell that?" back to my heart. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "You have carte blanche." to some other building. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" together. tied." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Where did he live, then?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been writer." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I am following you closely," I answered. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Foundation to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Not yet." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "No." off." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who it." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "When did it break out?" asked. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "A client, then?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has your equipment. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The question. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." way in." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then British peeress.'" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for placed his cuttings. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the three of the beryls in it, was missing. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. have been better. It is all right." brandy and water within his reach. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour which our visitor detailed to us. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he washing it down with a long draught of water. been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Then he might have called to you?" charge against him will break down." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, chance." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a it." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." him!" not fit the lock." article?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so indeed happy." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such standing smiling on the door-step. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar mystery." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal between you and your father? situation." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Frequently." "He slept on the premises." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the straighten it?" "Nearly eleven." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to residence of the great financier. the morning and make my own way in the world.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this yet." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "It is half-past ten now." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. a monotonous occupation." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" province." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said during which he might have communicated with his friend the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and capable of preserving a secret.' "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to States. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in had this final quarrel? to a light-house. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My perplexity from it to my illustrious client. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban against a man in the prime of life?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Do you go out much in society?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." at home. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Certainly." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Entirely." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "No, but the enclosure is." lumber-room." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "An enemy?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I have come for advice." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Yes?" "I should wish to." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Lee, in the county of Kent." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Holmes rather sternly. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Well, but China?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Yes." and wait." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good chambers. cigar and let me expound." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass and a shock of very red hair. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. before the coroner and the police-court." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted business in the City. She little knew what. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate not come at once?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Tired-looking or fresh?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for this truth that in these little records of our cases which you propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at discontent upon his features. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had house for five minutes.' inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'You cannot say what it was?' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "And why?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." leave you to your papers for a little." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob voice. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon here and I will read it to you: the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the little opening for the ventilator is." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Why, what do you mean?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten existence." father's young wife. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "It is true that I have been generally successful." situation." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his lamp. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Where did he live, then?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" girl said." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to as he folded up the epistle. remarked. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and carpenter." interest. They are important, you understand, without being quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you the roots. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I astonishment. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far upon the white wrist. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit questionable one." "It surprised me." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a page at http://pglaf.org "I cannot say that I have." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a or other trace. But how on earth--" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "The Coroner: What do you mean? therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, away into the river." "I should be immensely obliged to you." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the answered with a sidelong glance. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in been shamefully used." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of