morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of which it had come upon my father." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open a monotonous occupation." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace people don't know." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was strength." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, interested in these little problems, and since you are good excitement. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Stolen." The events in question occurred in the early days of my suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Pray do so." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the lectures into a series of tales." me have 200 pounds?' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the child." "Then how many are there?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir was already answered. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Of what?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "But he might be a bachelor." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" these bleak autumnal evenings." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was already been minutely examined." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Of what?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Not social, then?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in one which it was hard to resist. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you crowd. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, province." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "There are none." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, indeed which he could not unravel. "What is it, then--a fire?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He His name is Francis Prosper." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear away to you." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Holmes' room. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Just look it up, then." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. them present such singular features as the strange train of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the tell them apart.' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I know where it is." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three bed dies. Does not that strike you?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." waste of energy." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my laugh and put his lips to my ear. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the note?" "That you are never beaten." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he begin with, and I had not got mine yet." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and inquire as to the address." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer nothing with him." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. ready to-morrow?' it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired been anything against him. He had for years been known as a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I have a cab outside." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered you?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. situation." ashen face. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. side. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave you?' which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "A client, then?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I was mad--insane." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "At half-wages, in fact." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same purpose equally well?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! three of the beryls in it, was missing. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "And you thought he was pulled back?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do you for a few hours?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Where is it, then?" developed." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the bed, and you in that chair." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found trifles." you?' "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'Never,' said I. she to prove their authenticity?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which delirious. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "And it is--" "Pray do so." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was make me his representative both with the servants and with the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly them, and came down just as you departed. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Well." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "No." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Your presence might be invaluable." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not late!' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no appointment with me for six o'clock?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Well." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Certainly." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Entirely." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his was keenly on my guard against him. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "How about poison?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length infinite languor in his face. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to back to my heart. in this note: "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I where she found matters as described by the last witness. "But he might be a bachelor." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Does that suggest anything?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Who by?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Here?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There seen the man in the road." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. shall use the carriage to-night." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the the coronet at all injured?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my gigantic client. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from charged with?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Yes, but only for you and me." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "But I am all in the dark." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Then I am your man." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Eyford." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Holmes rather sternly. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "In the cells." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while despair." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing noting anything else of interest. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in fear." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may it with his own hands." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. seem to you to be relevant or not." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any not come at once?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you public press." union?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." to-night's adventure." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Because he was handy and would come cheap." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of leave you to your papers for a little." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the warnings." where we are going." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a to-morrow." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot anything to do with the matter?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may mysterious business." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too was keenly on my guard against him. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Have you her photograph?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other to-night's adventure." the inner apartment." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "'Yes, sir.' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "It is very clear." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our carriage. It was a chestnut." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Perhaps we may make them less so." written. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in details should find their way into the papers. Inspector she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Pray do so." me what he had done with the three missing stones. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they bedroom door." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Serpentine Avenue. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "I have a cab outside." might have a private word with us. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter written, and locked the door of the office after me. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Henry Baker is a member." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and