known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited already been minutely examined." "It must be recovered." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, knowledge of the world." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been new acquaintance to Baker Street. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door wife's character?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "The rest you will leave in our hands." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the matter." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "And how?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, there!' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the Red-headed League." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly lips." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's vault. down. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no highroad, where all traces were lost. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you used to be." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was that, and I came down." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the coronet in his hand?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "And I." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the again before evening." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "It is half-past ten now." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Ha! you find it so?" people don't know." interested in these little problems, and since you are good are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. good for you to do.' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "And how?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Breckinridge is his name." "Then he might have called to you?" at a side door. your most interesting statement." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon gigantic client. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the child." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. himself to hunt down. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "That is possible." correct than the official force." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your money should be paid at once.' old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Did you become engaged then?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Pray tell us what has happened to you." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by thin legs towards the fire. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of indeed happy." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Dr. Becher's." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I guessed as much." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. criminal. We have already had experience of such." "On Monday." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his three fields round his house, and there he would take his retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'Yes, sir.' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the know what is wrong with it.' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "And that is--" "It is very kind of you." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear which our visitor detailed to us. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "What is it?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of read over the extraordinary announcement. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "What can it mean?" I gasped. how narrow had been my escape. public press." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Why serious?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." not as remarkable as your advertisement." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "The best possible." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as meanly of me." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad enter Dr. Roylott's room." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in floor. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his started for the Temple to see my husband. think that any burglar could have done. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Yes. He waved his hands." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our back into the street. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. strong and stiff." Countess of Morcar's?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way placed his cuttings. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Pray let us have it, for all that." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you breakfast." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was depend upon your compliance." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my ventilator." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." not come at once?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. someone who had been in Australia." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become kind enough to tell me what I should do." questionable one." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by round with crates and massive boxes. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "And why?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the bed, and you in that chair." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the warnings." will take you up to see the machine.' companion quietly. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "What are they?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, shoulder. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Yes, that is the Crown." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, these bleak autumnal evenings." open." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the answer." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Very murderous indeed." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the our word." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" your bag." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small most interesting one." "Certainly, madam." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Just look it up, then." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers very old mansion. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The criminal. We have already had experience of such." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "But she could not love him." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless lids now and glanced across at his visitor. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come some water from a caraffe. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room that, and I came down." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a for its centre. official police." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I will try. What is it?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We ashen face. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to morning." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "No." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by works. feature." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a read over the extraordinary announcement. "You think so, too?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "But how?" "Yes, sir." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Never,' said I. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I do." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "And Irene Adler?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I have solved it." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "And from a noble client?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "But how?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" our word." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, said I. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' leaning back in his chair. when you have done it." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much other, as fresh and trim as possible. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Lestrade of Scotland Yard." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the in darkness. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the like gravel from a pit.' star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King works. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask fattened it expressly for you.' "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Eyford." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, that you wished to speak to me?' "Nearly eleven." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, appointment with me for six o'clock?" "No, I had a dozen." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Pool. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight and wait." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the loss of it. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which McCarthy's innocence. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if business matters.' and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips long narrative. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in there was no need for father to know." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over down in his armchair and closing his eyes. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to goes." and all of them with the keenest interest. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel than was visible to me." "Yes, I have one waiting." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did your sleep?' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the window, rose as we entered. hereditary King of Bohemia." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is But Holmes shook his head gravely. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this shadow pass over his face as I spoke. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the little opening for the ventilator is." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I have my revolver," said I. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." to-night's adventure." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at his face. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Ten will be early enough." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the