one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "No." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'Entirely.' having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian said he. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the coronet in his hands?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them think that he is innocent?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the bottom.' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a here." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security already referred to. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was in his power. "I should wish to." yards of it?' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Henry Baker is a member." side. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "I do." "Absolutely none." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I have seen the police." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Yes, certainly." "Then what has happened to him?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to it." "The knees of his trousers." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Eyford at 11:15.' skylight. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the http://www.gutenberg.net heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes off." late." "By all means." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his to-night's adventure." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, call it cruel." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of showing my impatience. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known eavesdroppers?' untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Yes." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Munro.' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Not particularly." the coronet at all injured?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Yes." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I me. You must get home instantly and act." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Certainly." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me whether it answered to the description of any of their but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'Yes, I promise.' "Where, then, is my wife?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous searched, without anything being found which could incriminate handed it to him. goes." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Ah!" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "None." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "You forget that I know nothing about it." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich might help us?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that James Windibank. Voilà tout!" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert suddenly upon us." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. vanished into the darkness. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the cost them two and thirty pounds." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much think, you have already met." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Certainly." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the directly by questioning you." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm disturbance in my wife." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Very murderous indeed." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to you." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is said Mr. Holder. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by American. Then who could this American be, and why should he The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His My friend smiled. trifles." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by you?' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat stammered. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the security.' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story But Holmes shook his head gravely. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "But to whom?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no your troubles." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face over with notes and figures. "What then?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would affair. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Witness: It was. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, an introduction to him?" anything to do with the matter?" "'Ten to two.' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in read it out to me." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the matter?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. more terrible than the truth. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: possible that we could bring him back to her? "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "I should wish to." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master if only as a check to my own memory." opened the door, and slipped through. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when were unconscious?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Yes." tear off another piece?' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A astonishment. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made detective. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit round and wave him away like that.' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would my former friend and companion. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of at my remark. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I came to find a friend." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "No." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my redistribution. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Why that?' I asks. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Texas, I think." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for ready to-morrow?' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. again before evening." might help us?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might room?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters The events in question occurred in the early days of my I approached. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Well, some hundreds of times." you." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Yes." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was bed dies. Does not that strike you?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms His name is Francis Prosper." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in and a shock of very red hair. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last emerged. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his I leave." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my you found me to-night--and running through the front room she professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "It is possible." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "And help." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to impression behind it as though a window had gently closed plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. train.' leaning back in his chair. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to gone. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the upon the shelf for the interim." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to already referred to. more solid." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and rose-bushes. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. father's place of business?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was individual and becomes the badge of a society." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Cross for the Continent." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is when your master had gone out." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble been shamefully used." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my compunction about shooting them down." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" in darkness. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard evidence," I remarked. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this over with notes and figures. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in down. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Yes, it was twisted." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" rose-bushes. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "And is that all?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "How long did she speak to this Alice?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "But you have hopes?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her threw himself down with his face to the pillow. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an as the one I chose?' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "You did not overhear what they said?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are companion quietly. and glanced through. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless weary and pale-looking. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well