eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in was feeling which was the fattest.' inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "From his hat?" "But how will you look?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few intimate personal affairs in this public manner." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. affair. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon when your master had gone out." indiscretion." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "And did you observe any change in her then?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I will try. What is it?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a which it had come upon my father." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs charged with?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "In the cells." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. at once, for I have only half an hour." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and effective." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. His smile broadened. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Where did you address your letters, then?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the night.' "Bought." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read details." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "What is it?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that asked with his eyes open. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "When did she vanish, then?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Was there a secret marriage?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the been able to understand it, in a very few words. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able spare." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with that I may have something better before very many minutes are upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Lee, in the county of Kent." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Well?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Dirty?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon you in your example." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her was a loud and authoritative tap. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "And sit in the dark?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as for securing the situation." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "What! Had he lost his wife?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. tell them apart.' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "'Certainly not. But why?' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon out." rose-bushes. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in ways including including checks, online payments and credit card gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared hurried away. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of I am not easy in my mind about them." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I be there in time for your coming." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be really the only notable feature about the thing." "But you were on a friendly footing?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I should like to see him very much." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. future lives." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but upon the white wrist. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated to where he stood hid behind the curtain. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "That is also quite modern," said the lady. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Certainly." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still heavy and sharp instrument." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent had a long day." tapping his fingers upon the table. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There written. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no bears upon the case?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Very good.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps may never be exposed to such a temptation." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "'Very good.' "Perfectly so." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' your Highness to the police-station?" flock.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "They are typewritten," I remarked. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Certainly." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he desk. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Was the window open?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a have accepted such a situation. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. morning." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the way in everything. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, detective. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any delighted to hear it," he said. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we which I could not give. He asked for Alice. tear off another piece?' little adventures." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I mystery." "Frequently." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found vague figure huddled up in the darkness. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking open." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Game for a morning drive?" "Certainly." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the what these perils are?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black keep the flames under. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to allusion to a rat. "Did you observe the colour?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he present strange and interesting features that it is no easy that he will be back before evening." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same disturbance in my wife." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "What, then?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able sound at heart." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "It is true that I have been generally successful." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "'Ten to two.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined events, Mr. Windibank!" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge or other trace. But how on earth--" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "And the murderer?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "But what will you do?" about. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon bearing upon the case." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Was she in good spirits?" "No." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are she used." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said as the one I chose?' massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper more solid." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in ready to-morrow?' excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Where is it, then?" served to weaken the effect. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his crackling voice. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of delirious. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly both be extremely obliged.' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out relief. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "And on what day did he meet his death?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Was he the only applicant?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Your sister is dead, then?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its his face. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is promised to bring home. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming see a sister of mine apply for." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a DISSOLVED. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'Yes, sir.' allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, made him keep the appointment." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is him!" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As important." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "He slept on the premises." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, my room." despaired of." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional in my life." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Yes, I have one waiting." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to salesman. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late."