commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had done what I asked you, Jones?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Mary, has deserted me." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" tear off another piece?' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the mystery may be cleared along those lines." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Street. "But of what society?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would never will be, entirely cleared up. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "What!" he roared. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO despaired of." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, desk. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards himself in a perplexing position. "And why?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "No legal papers or certificates?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Proceed, then." which our visitor detailed to us. did not hear it also.' that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be said he. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the delighted to hear it," he said. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Very truly yours, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." hands. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found dear old homesteads?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Were they all fastened this morning?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the maid will bring up your coffee." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the woven round him. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew His name is Francis Prosper." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." plantation.' "No." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "To ruin me." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the coronet in his hand?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the province." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to For additional contact information: leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with walking." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he is entirely a question of barometric pressure." definite end. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "By all means." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Nearly eleven." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew completely overtopped every other consideration that we both stammered. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "In answer to an advertisement." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" you in yours." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! was feeling which was the fattest.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In I nodded to show that I had heard. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he intrusion of other matters." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the to-night's adventure." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts said I. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "No more words. Get out!" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "You have it, sir, just as it happened." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." acquaintance?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Yes." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "You think that he is dead?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be very old mansion. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice up this clue while it is still hot." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. maid will bring up your coffee." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he cost them two and thirty pounds." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under it." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Not social, then?" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "You have but to name it." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb vanished into the darkness. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain into the bag, and made for the door. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The Coroner: What do you mean? 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I am sure." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Do you go out much in society?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Very murderous indeed." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Who by?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see States. train.' the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered golden eyeglasses. "'Where to?' the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast thought that she would have been so carried away." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "You think so, too?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" mystery." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Never." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six so.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "My photograph." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "'In my own bureau.' consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." that you can jump it.' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my place no limit on the sum I may draw." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you was keenly on my guard against him. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "By no means." purpose equally well?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I have solved it." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the gone. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the ourselves in the office." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will bell. Holmes whistled. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Eyford at 11:15.' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the stable lane now." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "She showed me, as I told you she would." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Certainly." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true there in twenty minutes." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to business in the City. She little knew what. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress within hail.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any of campaign. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that is a common subject for conversation. back into the street. "Witness: It was. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "In heaven's name, what for?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me bearing upon the case." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of them?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Ah!" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had coat-tails." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Certainly." "An enemy?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project six. Come in!" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Did you observe the colour?" within hail.' named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. excitement. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of asked with his eyes open. said he. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the get her out of the way." presume?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant had picked up in the wood. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Chief Executive and Director as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes, but only for you and me." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean one of them." the roots. allusion to a rat. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'Yes, sir.' are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had may never be exposed to such a temptation." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Have you it here?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a front of me. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Dark enough and sinister enough." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it woman who has had her own way to make in the world. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more pity, because in other respects you would really have done very was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he one of them." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but may have an influence upon European history." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can forbidden door. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a this man was intellectual?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "One of the highest in England." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. carried out of court." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the coronet in his hand?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "It surprised me." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and capable of preserving a secret.' matter." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just to-night?" I asked. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such have established a very serious case against the son of the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I am sure." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Count Von Kramm." Miss Holder?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the this Miss Turner." and put his glass in his pocket. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor house for five minutes.' "You have it, sir, just as it happened." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as bled considerably." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I beg pardon." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Why? What do you mean?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a McCarthy's innocence. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into back alive. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not get the tickets." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Holmes, the busybody!" Countess of Morcar's?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his