"That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "The murder was done with it." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Well, some hundreds of times." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, this Miss Turner." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly arrested. You then--" "You have carte blanche." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Is he quiet?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I am to be neutral?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Yes, the wine-cellar." companion imperturbably. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no The summons was a brief and urgent one. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "You think that he is dead?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin he died? had this final quarrel? "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It already been minutely examined." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would of his shoulders. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." case-book, which he consulted. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as sofa. This way, please!" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I assure you that I am in your hands." bare slabs of marble. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he any more." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need have I gained?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking to me. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off have had none more fantastic than this." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the stable lane now." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its to that open window." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little hour?' this poor creature." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. be there in time for your coming." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the at my remark. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge I shall continue with my miserable story. "No." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "And your mother is alive?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal criminal. We have already had experience of such." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that strength." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips room had already been engaged for us. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my kind enough to tell me what I should do." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week for and were ordered to this address. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" tear off another piece?' suspect him." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" emerged. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. is four-and-twenty." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Dirty?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I was sure that I might rely on you." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I of a light. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Never.' kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this promised to bring home. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Come in!" said he. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind points to suicide?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Have you it here?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Yes." annoyance, but no jest. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Did your wife hear all this?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my maid will bring up your coffee." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about think you a quite exceptional woman." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "That is unusual in a young girl." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the other lovers by making love himself." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Pool. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I say that I have solved it." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Certainly." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it me upon any point which I do not make clear." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Very much so." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Yes, all." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "I don't believe it." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Yes." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "That is also quite modern," said the lady. depend upon your compliance." people in all walks of life. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I see no marks." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and a shock of very red hair. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Yes, all." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, and effective." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found you?' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you least a fellow-countryman. "'I have heard so.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to indeed happy." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" you." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, tightly behind him. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the nursery. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk affection." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers placed his cuttings. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been subject to the trademark license, especially commercial successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's meant it for the best. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which it had come upon my father." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Now, then, what's the last entry?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the running down." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in detained." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of the vacancies.' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which something of him before." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I beg pardon." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." chambers. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were I think that I could be of assistance to you." Heh?' vanished into the darkness. there in twenty minutes." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we spare." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very congenial hunt. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and in the hope of finding them." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's were unconscious?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." in this way: "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The which I could not give. He asked for Alice. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "The vanishing of the lady." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "By no means." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Of what day?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Which surely he restored to their owner?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice nice household for a young lady." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it indiscretion." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey call for it in person on Monday morning.' Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Yes, it was twisted." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "No." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in wanted for ourselves." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. with you?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very in a very precise fashion." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "But I am all in the dark." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, started for the Temple to see my husband. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless that you saw all that I did." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I child?' a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All at my remark. business." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and put his glass in his pocket. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some something of him before." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "You are hungry," I remarked. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and a shock of very red hair. I have it here in my museum." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "VIOLET HUNTER." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By footfalls from the street. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents purpose of examination. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy purpose equally well?" spare." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only thirty. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "'Stolen!' he cried. trying to your nerves." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "BALLARAT." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Why did you beat the pavement?" "But what is it you wish?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable