refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower business in the City. She little knew what. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, What do you deduce from it?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out memory. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an questioning and rather startled gaze. Heh?' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. she to prove their authenticity?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Then I do not see the point." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I little adventures." strength of mind to control. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your appeal." washing it down with a long draught of water. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not she used." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me child?' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten open." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some said he. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the asked with his eyes open. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt ashen face. golden eyeglasses. you came in." keep the flames under. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a easy-going way." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'How far from the body?' saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found handed it to him. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his useful material for showing traces. The double line a little or in danger--" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I am following you closely," I answered. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "She showed me, as I told you she would." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "In heaven's name, what for?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a crime. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at bird of prey. "I am sure." ourselves in the office." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent o'clock is it?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true walking." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can a suggestive one." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Pray do so." "I cannot tell." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Yes." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "It is half-past ten now." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage sparkled upon his finger. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Pray be precise as to details," said he. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his what is your own theory as to what took place?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "And did you observe any change in her then?" of the vacancies.' among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is against a man in the prime of life?" go from here to the Strand." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his mystery may be cleared along those lines." true." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be said I. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or place no limit on the sum I may draw." villagers almost as much as their master. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its into the room. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "To an English lawyer named Norton." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open if I call to-morrow?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the it." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Yes." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Yes." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the himself. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it undoubtedly my uncle's." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. chance at all." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Countess of Morcar's?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at too. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "What can it mean?" I gasped. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." States. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "What will you do, then?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready searched, without anything being found which could incriminate through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "But what is it you wish?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you do you make of it all?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been heavy and sharp instrument." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "One horse?" interjected Holmes. you?' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, purpose of examination. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. jewels which you have stolen?' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his easy-going way." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he newspaper selections." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could was not a bird to be seen there. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'What would be the hours?' I asked. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "And why?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. matter." "What!" he roared. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Will you bet, then?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "But we can't all be." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Do you go out much in society?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Entirely." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" as noiselessly as she had come. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." appointment with me for six o'clock?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into could not account in any way for the presence of the missing for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. was shining brightly. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "No." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. father's place of business?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Quite so." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you advice." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual charged with?" opportunities to fix the problem. will he say when he returns?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Yes, at the mines." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his your co-operation." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may least a most suspicious remark." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." which we had just quitted. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." experiences." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the newspaper selections." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "No, distinctly professional." and the colonel ushered me in. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot away into the river." posted to-day." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of not within a twentieth part of the market price." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Her father is very rich?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an His smile broadened. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort people don't know." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "No, but the enclosure is." residence of the great financier. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the back alive. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. allusion to a rat. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Tell me all about it,' said I. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the and no precautions can guard against." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Here?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip fishes. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "By no means." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" official police." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "In which, sir?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some fasten all the windows?" "You have a clue?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Stoke Moran." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Dark enough and sinister enough." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself goes." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" father's place of business?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Never." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be