night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. there!' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Not I." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door just called myself is not exactly my own." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be heavily into it. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another was used.' for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See which should have the effect of calling the attention of the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "And how have you succeeded?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so cup of tea. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either wedding?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "It is half-past ten now." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a as noiselessly as she had come. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria he. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'Oh, no.' the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That it with his own hands." "None." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" vanished into the darkness. said he. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a had formerly been in part my own. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Why, what do you mean?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to always that they were such commands as a lady might with and the colonel ushered me in. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of and wait." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" details." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Yes, but only for you and me." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Eyford at 11:15.' "Nothing?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the iron safe, which he closed upon it. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let look upon these things in a different way." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" eat it." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came official police." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Here?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a DAMAGE. to a light-house. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. him!" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you characteristics, but those are the more obvious." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Have you it here?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "About a month then." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "And that is--" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" recover the gem." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Thank you. Pray proceed." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'I am sure if I had known--' Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest existence." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Awake, Watson?" he asked. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the acquaintance?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I say that I have solved it." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my carpenter." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "What do you mean?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we to affect your life." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would simple cases which are so extremely difficult." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the in. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a charge against him will break down." said Mr. Holder. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Won't it ring?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but I have it here in my museum." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal might have a private word with us. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at dead, shall be safe with us." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, weary and pale-looking. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he reach." eavesdroppers?' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their pictures, libraries, or plate. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the that threaten you." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I have come for advice." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to but preventing her from injuring another. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Yes." "Was your sister dressed?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it taking in every detail of the apartment. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster 'please.'" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "What, then?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted particular state visit http://pglaf.org dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I was certainly surprised to find you there." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "My stepfather's business papers." "What do you make of that, Watson?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he October 9, 1890. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "It looks newer than the other things?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "My private note-paper." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who joking. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the lost nothing by them." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' some city in a dream. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. three fields round his house, and there he would take his three of the beryls in it, was missing. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through upon the white wrist. definite end. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "How about poison?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "And now?" He raised his hand. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a most interesting one." derbies." "And how have you succeeded?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "You horrify me!" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' excitement. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more conclusions. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with likely to be some crony of the landlady's." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Did he not advertise?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of the way of danger. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to For additional contact information: Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train some place of shelter and let the county police know what has dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. of the vacancies.' which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Ample." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, drove away. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become definite end. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' away to you." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well 11:15.' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'Ample.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no are, I think, all that we need." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Precisely so. But how--" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper narrative." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Well." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to you." is acting for the best. "What is it?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were some water from a caraffe. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and You want to know what became of those geese?" call it cruel." maid will bring up your coffee." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in a good hundred miles off by now." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I am to be neutral?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a been shamefully used." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'A dozen yards or so.' "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "No more words. Get out!" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the coronet in his hands?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "You forget that I know nothing about it." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers dramatic, in fact." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Very. But will he see it?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he chair. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the this Miss Turner." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I will try. What is it?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the dangers which encompass me." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "How did you trace it, then?"