serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Was there a secret marriage?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double infinite languor in his face. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking bearing upon the case." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight keep the flames under. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Witness: Nothing definite. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the about here speaks of his kindness to him." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by other lovers by making love himself." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a your sleep?' "Proceed, then." "Well." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "No more words. Get out!" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'Yes.' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point confronted him. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Where did he live, then?" "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah to change my dress. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Lestrade of Scotland Yard." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. your equipment. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the was keenly on my guard against him. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I think that it is very probable." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch she to prove their authenticity?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the eavesdroppers?' may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the Friday. Was it to be in church?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Then you may entirely rely on me." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable outside. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Was there a secret marriage?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, respectable self." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while page at http://pglaf.org "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "How did you trace it, then?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a have not had my rubber." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Nothing." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "And from a noble client?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came more terrible than the truth. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." mystery!" Holmes rather sternly. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Perhaps I have." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate hardly wander." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he there were one or two details which were new to me. But the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in in the dead of the night?' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. 1.F. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Yes, sir." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Oh, the cause is excellent!" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, most interesting one." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided chair. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "And I to find an enemy." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque as the one I chose?' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the inner apartment." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a of this gang." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "The Coroner: What do you mean? death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even hair?' your own bird, so if you wish--" come either from the window or the door. My attention was Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips signal between you and your father? you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the side-table." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous status with the IRS. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Whose house is it?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear that you can jump it.' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "If I can be of use." "You are all wrong." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner which our visitor detailed to us. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Yes, from Horsham." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I am following you closely," I answered. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after might help us?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its would apply.' people in all walks of life. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Ah!" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a out." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had means taking possession of that which another person has a prior uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Yes, he did." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "It was a confession," I ejaculated. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Ah!" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Thank you. And your address?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are answer." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." standing smiling on the door-step. be. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without visitors." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be your troubles." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'Oh, no.' them, and came down just as you departed. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it some water from a caraffe. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora country, and eventually married, without anyone having a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! The King stared at him in amazement. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Heh?' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "'Never.' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers matter over." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose round with crates and massive boxes. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had The summons was a brief and urgent one. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm I leave." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as morning." assist you in forming an opinion." to-night's adventure." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility desk. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to be best to do. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again ceremony." drove away. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have when you have done it." "Not in the least." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the date of his supposed suicide." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might him." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional horse could go." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three dates and names. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a looking up at the numbers of the houses." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton hard-headed British jury." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that hard-headed British jury." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose someone who had been in Australia." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an it." through." answer." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Witness: Nothing definite. "Very. But will he see it?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" matter over." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if been deceived." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "But you can know nothing of this?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Do you go out much in society?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Ten will be early enough." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." invisible to me," I remarked. annoyance, but no jest. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Ah, but I was recommended to you." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Henry Baker is a member." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Nothing." "In the cells." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "What can it mean?" I gasped. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Then he might have called to you?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "His face fell immediately. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the people don't know." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "And from a noble client?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and business." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed direction." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Lestrade of Scotland Yard." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "And now?" He raised his hand. of campaign. not as remarkable as your advertisement." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Here?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off