"Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in woman." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which sofa. This way, please!" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove little adventures." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked ashen face. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the ourselves in the office." like that before?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim case before our client came into the room." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know spark where all is dark to me." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "At half-wages, in fact." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "But his left-handedness." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a without a word or a look. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very very morning of my second wedding." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I cannot imagine." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek kindly on the shoulder. "You horrify me!" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should seven miles from Eyford Station.' I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "But who is he?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we matters immensely." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of writer." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, very old mansion. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this something of him before." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a south, for the country is more deserted there." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock desk. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after several quiet little villages up there." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very his face. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Will you go?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. note?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to a room. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "My dear Holmes!" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." time." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two indiscretion." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly had a long day." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the this as likely?" foot. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his father's young wife. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this your sleep?' the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all within hail.' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a leaning back in his chair. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat learned something! Where are the gems?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." morning." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the room while you explain this matter?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he dramatic, in fact." and wait." "Why, what do you mean?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "My dear Holmes!" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I am following you closely," I answered. woven round him. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers leave you to your papers for a little." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. IS play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was did not hear it also.' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come their singular warning or token before them when starting upon be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns could go. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Was she in good spirits?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, sooner or later she must fall a victim. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "What is it?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation on re-entering her father's house?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs tightly behind him. Eyford at 11:15.' client, rising. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, that I am arrested." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time weigh very heavily upon my conscience." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round whatever might befall. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and inquire as to the address." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said minor matters until to-morrow." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for searched, without anything being found which could incriminate been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, you." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "I answered that I had not. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor enter into my head. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I should wish to." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight with frightened eyes at his accuser. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been point in the dark hollow of his hand. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." unprecedented a position." congratulate you again." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'I am sure if I had known--' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I have hopes." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Was the window open?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked nice household for a young lady." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "It is very kind of you." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Yes, only one." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My forebodings. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE and your relations to her." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Yes, sir." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention brain must have something in it." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Well, it is a possible supposition." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might of your young ladies.' in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. you in yours." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the tension within him. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know crime. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Witness: I must still refuse. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was writers could invent nothing more crude." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "When did it break out?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of enough to aid us in our search." trying to your nerves." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to strength of mind to control. villagers almost as much as their master. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought beg that you will break it off." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "BALLARAT." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Why, it's a dummy," said he. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, whatever might befall. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit arrangements." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "The Coroner: What do you mean? green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "But your client--" companion. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was strode off upon his way. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It before, for it was considerably after midnight. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'You cannot say what it was?' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It is half-past ten now." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Literary Archive Foundation "'No, I know no one in these parts.' and a shock of very red hair. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you his cane at the bell-pull. "But I have heard all that you have heard." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at have got?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" tension within him. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set these bleak autumnal evenings." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked hereditary King of Bohemia." London for the present?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive infinite languor in his face. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt client, rising. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Holmes rather sternly. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Very murderous indeed." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about said Mr. Holder. "'As governess?' what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." third from London." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself all that?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat at once, for I have only half an hour." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake gbnewby@pglaf.org "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "It is possible."