still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "You think so, too?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Yes, he did." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "None." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Not in a good cause." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among forehead. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Perhaps I have." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I will, Miss Turner." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his was keenly on my guard against him. burst out into a roar of laughter. "By train from Waterloo." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. posted to-day." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Quite sure, dad.' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "'You doubt its value?' he asked. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Street. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough spare." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by public press." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "But your client--" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" just called myself is not exactly my own." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "VIOLET HUNTER." seem to you to be relevant or not." "I shall most certainly do so." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, papers." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "My stepfather's business papers." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "And on what day did he meet his death?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I answered that I had not. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I shall most certainly do so." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Witness: Nothing definite. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Perhaps I have." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I shall most certainly do so." http://www.gutenberg.net want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are in this note: "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that in darkness. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled 11:15.' stood on the top of it. read over the extraordinary announcement. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Is he quiet?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Well, some hundreds of times." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the I was concerned in it." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Eyford at 11:15.' his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Witness: Nothing definite. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "I cannot imagine." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Foundation "That sounds a little paradoxical." been shamefully used." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "My dear Holmes!" bears upon the case?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the loss of it. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "What have you to say now?" brain must have something in it." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a paper in the air. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling this unhappy family?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Stolen." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to people in all walks of life. with you alone." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I was certainly surprised to find you there." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Dr. Gregory B. Newby true." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "That sounds a little paradoxical." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "It certainly sounds feasible." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than prison!" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I cannot as yet see any connection." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Not in the least." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, foresight and the moral retrogression?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Get out!" said he. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came I leave." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. been able to understand it, in a very few words. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper comes from the middle window." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project what I may call a really hard day's work." cheerful." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. is worth.' occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but to arrive at through this?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her that you saw all that I did." that I am arrested." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to so.' which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the overpowering excitement and concern. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that new acquaintance to Baker Street. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "But how did you gain them?" "No, my brougham is waiting." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this I leave." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake nothing with him." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for prove to be little relation between the different incidents of morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Dirty?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your happened." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Can I be of assistance?" some terrible trap for her." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to over part of the map. "What do you read?" you came in." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And how did he make his money?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime look dissatisfied." client, rising. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "When did it break out?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Doctor, of the paper and the date." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. conclusions. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'About the same.' you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Never.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "No?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at The events in question occurred in the early days of my remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), sufficient punishment." arrested. You then--" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And you thought he was pulled back?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "But how will you look?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "May I see it?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Is 4 pounds a week.' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every wanted for ourselves." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the Assizes." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Yes, I have one waiting." in darkness. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their his forehead." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup it." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his business matters.' years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "It goes to the housekeeper's room." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the Red-headed League." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'I have heard so.' defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "My dear Holmes!" there in twenty minutes." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Quite so." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "It is no ordinary one." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." made him keep the appointment." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, meant." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Sutherland?" more solid." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned and inquire as to the address." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked all that?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with case before our client came into the room." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a written. and effective." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she promised to bring home. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "And I to find an enemy." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very sake, don't!" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." must be when I saw the door open.' the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler said he. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave night.' said he. and I shall be with you presently." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their letters?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you John Swain, of St. Augustine. most interesting one." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. bears upon the case?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the shoulder; "he's all right." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. of his shoulders. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Yes, from Horsham." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which