"Very truly yours, this Miss Turner." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek and that he would see to anything that turned up. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." detective. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "When did she vanish, then?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. tied." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were me." "Here?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and place, I think that there is good ground to think that the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help if I call to-morrow?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Have you good authority for what you say?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched guilty one." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit absorbing." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. leave you to your papers for a little." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their present strange and interesting features that it is no easy could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the outbreak?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would only touch the interest." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "There are none." "I have a cab outside." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at be.' the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I cannot imagine." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Street. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "That sounds a little paradoxical." these bleak autumnal evenings." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his once more on the important position which you have been fortunate The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen hand, madam?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Yes, certainly." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced annoyance, but no jest. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "BALLARAT." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of giving me time to thank him. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It passage and a tap at the door. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I guessed as much." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the his huge brown hands. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the shoulder; "he's all right." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come must compliment you." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should a room. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Yes, certainly." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his himself in a perplexing position. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "And how did you verify them?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "How about poison?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "A greater distance to travel." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a tell him that I know him to be innocent." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Cross for the Continent." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and with some details as to your case." "What!" he roared. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast I nodded to show that I had heard. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away instituted." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, my friend's incisive reasoning. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, read it out to me." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "And why?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" occupations.' "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, not, dad?" she asked. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." woman." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "No, but the enclosure is." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." long narrative. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the stones. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper at a side door. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general people don't know." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Yes, all." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. second window is the one that I jumped from." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has trying to your nerves." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by appeared upon the scene." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on and that he would see to anything that turned up. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was some place of shelter and let the county police know what has finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to might help us?" touch that coronet?' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as astonishment. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads carpenter." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my heavy and sharp instrument." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I constraint." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it I was concerned in it." "And now?" I asked. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the she to prove their authenticity?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in The events in question occurred in the early days of my fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coroner's jury." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "'What are you doing there?' he asked. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. vanished into the darkness. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. held up the lantern and gazed about him. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I will try. What is it?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Perfectly so." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the my secret was safe in his possession. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I What do you deduce from it?" indeed which he could not unravel. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. eat it." examine." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "'Tell me all about it,' said I. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Get out!" said he. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying http://www.gutenberg.net "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out system of imprisonment?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Have you good authority for what you say?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to an introduction to him?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "But of what society?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry in one or two places in England?' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture his grey eyes. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Munro.' to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' seem to you to be relevant or not." "Stolen, then." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'And what salary do you ask?' pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I should wish to." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "It is possible." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I have solved it." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let walking." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I do." "Yes." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim forebodings. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "To an English lawyer named Norton." October 9, 1890. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Not him." "A greater distance to travel." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The again." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. to me. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'What then?' I asked. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy opened the door, and slipped through. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the driver. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in here and I will read it to you: the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the at my remark. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little brandy and water within his reach. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a read it out to me."