passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." bird of prey. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the to arrive at through this?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the night.' "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which that?' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Stolen, then." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the opened the door, and slipped through. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, again." shoulder. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began fear." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a occupations.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? companion. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this good-night and bustled off upon her way. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the any more." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and presume?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes spare." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a some water from a caraffe. will be renamed. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Oh, yes, easily." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Where is it, then?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Count Von Kramm." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "The Cedars?" it." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, dead, shall be safe with us." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to allusion to a rat. gone. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be speckled band?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, her also." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "My dear Holmes!" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "One of the highest in England." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man to go into your room and bar your shutters?" never came back." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, joking. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Pray let us have it, for all that." gbnewby@pglaf.org urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to criminal. We have already had experience of such." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old God! What an exposure! What can I do?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "But to whom?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "You did not overhear what they said?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which happened." bare slabs of marble. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for indiscretion." tear off another piece?' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose eat it." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely or in danger--" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Just look it up, then." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Not particularly." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to will he say when he returns?" Farm upon the left." to Leatherhead. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, outbreak?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Yes." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Dirty?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have License. You must require such a user to return or the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "How are you getting on?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "9th. McCauley cleared. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fear." question," said Holmes, smiling. "Absolutely?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got this remarkable episode. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter from you?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Yes, it was twisted." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Well?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our see a sister of mine apply for." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "What, then, did Peterson do?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving had formerly been in part my own. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of shall use the carriage to-night." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to his huge brown hands. paper in the air. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "But she will refuse." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Yes, only one." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a outbreak?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Clair, of Lee." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever infinite languor in his face. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the tragedy. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "No more words. Get out!" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "In San Francisco, a year ago." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the look dissatisfied." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss seven miles from Eyford Station.' will take you up to see the machine.' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the sake, don't!" "May I see it?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Nothing?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "None." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Proceed, then." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the death." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, some terrible trap for her." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I will, Miss Turner." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Well, some hundreds of times." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had mysterious business." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in business." of a light. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day danger is over." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the room while you explain this matter?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. upon a handsome competence. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "No." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been ordinary clothes on?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by it." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Ample." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each speckled band?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can 11:15.' "But you would not advise me to refuse?" digesting their breakfasts at home." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may peculiar to him. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? felt?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Street. answered with a sidelong glance. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "To an end?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Where to?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Well?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Witness: Nothing definite. letters?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of from the brougham. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very hair?' "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, thought that she would have been so carried away." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "No?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "It was an hour's good drive." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband matter over." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'How far from the body?' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns served to weaken the effect. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I 'please.'" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! your sleep?' "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Then I am your man." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from in one or two places in England?' business." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Then, how do you know?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the morning and make my own way in the world.' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. compunction about shooting them down." the coronet in his hand?" charge against him will break down." "To an English lawyer named Norton." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Why did you beat the pavement?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "To an English lawyer named Norton." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Then let me do so?' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, depend upon my doing so.' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes said I. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Holmes' face clouded over. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love http://www.gutenberg.net again on its way. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Yes, that is the Crown." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the fled together." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night.