starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do she used." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." room?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Yes." "And the cigar-holder?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as ready to-morrow?' "Quite so." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official noting anything else of interest. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'I am sure if I had known--' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that careless servant girl?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to him!" "You are hungry," I remarked. official police." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Very well, sir. And this stone?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa meanly of me." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'How far from the body?' enough to aid us in our search." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I have my revolver," said I. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "And sit in the dark?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Here?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. them?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and of Fenchurch Street." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen kind enough to tell me what I should do." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what to-night?' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor than to us. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, gentleman's clothes. "In what way?" asked Holmes. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It had formerly been in part my own. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a will he say when he returns?" trying to your nerves." "An accident, I presume?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so appointment with me for six o'clock?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace been able to understand it, in a very few words. go from here to the Strand." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the your co-operation." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence towards the blaze. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a secret." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to which are rolled in Rotterdam." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "'Where to?' errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "My dear Holmes!" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "No bad?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the and the colonel ushered me in. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the best of training." as this. Pray let me have the details." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these drawing your inferences." points to suicide?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" get her out of the way." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "It is no ordinary one." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Witness: It was. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went more terrible than the truth. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Farm upon the left." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and fire. You quite follow me?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, pressing in one house as in another. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" into the room. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to girl said." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and union?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are dates and names. "I see no marks." will take you up to see the machine.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Yes, he did." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the existence." "Did you become engaged then?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. hands. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those in him." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had fear." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Who by?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted confronted him. father's young wife. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "It must be recovered." "The Coroner: What do you mean? told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do habit of advancing money.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who national property. I was determined that the law should have its any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "None." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls retorted upon me, and I on you." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet developed." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. was feeling which was the fattest.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "On the contrary, this is the right side." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end to-night's adventure." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Project Gutenberg-tm works. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" but preventing her from injuring another. "I have my revolver," said I. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must carpenter." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little nice household for a young lady." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and leave you to your papers for a little." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his at a side door. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Will you go?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they becomes even more simple." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I was certainly surprised to find you there." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Breckinridge is his name." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of or other trace. But how on earth--" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock be sorry for having acted so harshly." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Lestrade of Scotland Yard." key turn in the lock." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk strength in the others." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." http://www.gutenberg.net she used." he. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor sofa. This way, please!" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set do." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "You have it, sir, just as it happened." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. I leave." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "It is a murder, then?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing comes from the middle window." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie as the one I chose?' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "It is no ordinary one." in darkness. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was went to the Alpha were town bred." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but public press." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the night.' have had none more fantastic than this." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, were new raised from a basin. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "You were travelling in the States?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the business." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It is solved." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm From what you have told me I think that it is possible that End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "My opinion is in no way altered." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would and no precautions can guard against." During two years I have had three consultations and one small for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many you give your casting vote to?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds to-night?' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I I held the little printed slip to the light. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had been anything against him. He had for years been known as a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and morning." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "But you have hopes?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but in one or two places in England?' same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. had a long day." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I promise," said Holmes. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and chair. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'Then let me do so?' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Perfectly so." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "We have tried and failed." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Not yet." "You did not overhear what they said?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "My dear Holmes!" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way was the fact that his father should, according to his account, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for always that they were such commands as a lady might with "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional disappearance of these gems?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "What are they?" it right.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out."