which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the running down." papers on the sundial.'" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "'What then?' I asked. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' into her hand at the door and which lured her within their His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as an introduction to him?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Munro.' pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to several quiet little villages up there." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was next day. "It is solved." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "And it is--" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "But the mystery?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Pool. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present of campaign. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to have one." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." with some details as to your case." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the occupations.' clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes." "And help." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a there when the Rucastles went away." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Never." "My dear Holmes!" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark desk. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent questioning and rather startled gaze. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, straighten it?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is tail." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "I cannot imagine." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, said I. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their was used.' "My private note-paper." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to from you?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock what these perils are?" the stones. breakfast." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked not, dad?" she asked. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the coronet at all injured?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and no precautions can guard against." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." infinite languor in his face. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had became a certainty. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just chamber." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into directors, with the result that you have seen." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced crowd. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "I cannot imagine." writers could invent nothing more crude." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons charge against him will break down." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Did your wife hear all this?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "We must sit without light. He would see it through the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and passage and a tap at the door. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural again before evening." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Of what day?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account lost his Christmas dinner." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man opened the door, and slipped through. your troubles." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Edgeware Road. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were words came to my lips. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, gbnewby@pglaf.org his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "One of the highest in England." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' could go. one which it was hard to resist. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged as this. Pray let me have the details." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "I have come for advice." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." prisoner's face. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "That's no good." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'I have heard so.' security.' Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the you." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, experiences." "And why in hopes?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was of Fenchurch Street." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in III. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "9th. McCauley cleared. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had forbidden door. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'Entirely.' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'Yes, it was gone.' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss I think that I could be of assistance to you." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the dangers which encompass me." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with lamp. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "You have compromised yourself seriously." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone results." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for an introduction to him?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I will not look." fishes. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without most interesting one." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have to that open window." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. to that open window." "Yes, I have one waiting." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest purpose equally well?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. fattened it expressly for you.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Holmes, the busybody!" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. other means.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Certainly." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "No. What a strange idea!" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and mysterious end." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." hard-headed British jury." "No." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I cannot tell." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? throat." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past main points of my analysis." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said think, you have already met." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the words came to my lips. maid will bring up your coffee." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Not social, then?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. do." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. constraint." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "One?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who noble correspondent could be. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and disappearance of the bride.'" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but attention." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. clang of the bell. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the Friday. Was it to be in church?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the coronet in his hand?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most skylight. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your salesman. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One this unhappy family?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the child." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very legal crime." beyond words. "Is he quiet?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "And from a noble client?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I know where it is." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. forebodings. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "No, my brougham is waiting." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Imitated." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, it with his own hands." allusion to a rat. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and present." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Yes, there are nearly always some there." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his over here." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their gone before you can get him to hospital." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Could he throw no light?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to