again." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan which our visitor detailed to us. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to entirely devoid of interest." "Come in!" said he. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "You will not go there first?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "He is dead," cried several voices. together. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, pictures, libraries, or plate. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I seven miles from Eyford Station.' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he these bleak autumnal evenings." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. to that open window." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "How did you deduce the select?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "But not more so than I to find you." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Of what day?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in mysterious business." chair. made his money." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger husband's writing, madam." politicians who had been sent down from the North. the loss of it. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil criminal. We have already had experience of such." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "She showed me, as I told you she would." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a been able to understand it, in a very few words. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed crowd. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her skylight. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without highroad, where all traces were lost. so far?" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such opened a pocket-book and took out a note. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the best of training." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled and files of the old papers, following the future career of every crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the in one or two places in England?' even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of name is different." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something woman who has had her own way to make in the world. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "But you can know nothing of this?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "By all means." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you here." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak most important business. It is probable that he will be away all derbies." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Will you bet, then?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." may never be exposed to such a temptation." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running companion imperturbably. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve face and glided from the room. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now away into the river." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one here." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was hurried away. "Yes." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Entirely." in his hands." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to call for protection in the marriage market, for the present husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend has little to do with my story." "You were travelling in the States?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Holmes' face clouded over. voice, changing her seat as requested. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Holmes." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or wall." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached there!' perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his until night should bring an explanation. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Absolutely none." lost nothing by them." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that easy-going way." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "To an English lawyer named Norton." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" me where it went to?" "The landlord of the Alpha." him." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, if I call to-morrow?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this outbreak?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing bears upon the case?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in imbecility!" he cried. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had charged with?" on re-entering her father's house?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "What do you mean?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a a good hundred miles off by now." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "And that is--" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "I have come for advice." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are think you a quite exceptional woman." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was maid will bring up your coffee." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. cost them two and thirty pounds." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Yes." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of Fenchurch Street." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had generous with you in money matters.' located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. business." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was you." "'How far from the body?' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have promised to bring home. him." "Eh? What was that?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "How did that help you?" formed some opinion?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have rat could hardly pass through." "Why, what do you mean?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy morning." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the house with me." Clair, of Lee." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "How on earth--" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that papers on the sundial.'" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that have been better. It is all right." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a even so self-evident a thing as that." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he speckled band?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the room while you explain this matter?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must lost nothing by them." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled you." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a case-book, which he consulted. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "In what way?" asked Holmes. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "That is possible." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'I am sure that I do not know.' up this clue while it is still hot." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even IS "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. more terrible than the truth. "Certainly." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Well?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the general public were present, then?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite this man was intellectual?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a me." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "What then?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the window, rose as we entered. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would business at Coburg Square is serious." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Leadenhall Street--and--" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out dates and names. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I cannot think." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Your French gold?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." before the coroner and the police-court." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you occurred." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and following enigmatical notices: pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in be. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. fasten all the windows?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the morning and make my own way in the world.' something of him before." made his money." "One?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! you?' October 9, 1890. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "No, my brougham is waiting." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for gone. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in said Mr. Holder. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." drove away. before, for it was considerably after midnight. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "On your arm?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their did not hear it also.' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Entirely." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Does that suggest anything?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for door?" writers could invent nothing more crude." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the throat." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them bonnet, and went out." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no room had already been engaged for us. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any round with crates and massive boxes. salesman. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," narrative." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Only as much as we can deduce." stammered. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the problems help me to do so." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Where to?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it astonishment. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out clanging. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by over here." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he so.' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for miles off. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as your sleep?' should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be mystery!" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. money should be paid at once.' laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "No, finished." of a light. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the it." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. sooner or later she must fall a victim. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I