again on its way. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Yes, the wine-cellar." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "You have carte blanche." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" straightened it out again. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the approach us with offers to donate. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I to his chemical studies. room. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the little opening for the ventilator is." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "By all means." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in disappearance of the bride.'" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "And what did you see?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "How can you tell that?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "The knees of his trousers." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" sneer upon his pale face. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do all that?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young country, and eventually married, without anyone having a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "That sounds a little paradoxical." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "But he might be a bachelor." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? brought there to personate someone, and the real person is blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one to surprise her." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "You have carte blanche." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very little trying to do so much typewriting?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks charged with?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'Yes, I promise.' "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "How are you getting on?" "I never have." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I cannot imagine." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "But you can know nothing of this?" "On Monday." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible you for a few hours?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "It surprised me." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, that there was nothing in it, after all." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "The gentleman I describe." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, train.' "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into forebodings. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? amused." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Pray do so." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I presume?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for done what I asked you, Jones?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I enter into my head. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most fishes. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back in the hope of finding them." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and acted in my house last night?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. in a very precise fashion." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, on re-entering her father's house?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried details should find their way into the papers. Inspector clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such standing smiling on the door-step. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Holmes' thin, eager face. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be some city in a dream. if she died from some sudden fright." shoulder. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." hour?' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, affair. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a look dissatisfied." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. you do it in twenty minutes!' McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned were unconscious?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good will he say when he returns?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Entirely." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the populous neighbourhood." "Bought." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, his face which made him a very different person to the round, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Two days later this same performance was gone through under sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his to go into your room and bar your shutters?" own family. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "A client, then?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at morning." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." drawing your inferences." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'Yes, sir.' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "You have a clue?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to himself in a perplexing position. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to at once, for I have only half an hour." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime paper in the air. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "I should like to see him very much." be.' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Heh?' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been my secret was safe in his possession. this unhappy family?" your bag." "Certainly, madam." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always there were one or two details which were new to me. But the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the him nearly every evening." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "And for present expenses?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And drawing your inferences." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "What will you say?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily into her hand at the door and which lured her within their who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the letters?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there held up the lantern and gazed about him. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign the night.' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a would then never go into court at all." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "What! a murderous attack?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Won't it ring?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of written, and locked the door of the office after me. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it most interesting one." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a this remarkable episode. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Just look it up, then." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We DAMAGE. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "A confidential servant?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Thank you. And your address?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "But she could not love him." recover the gem." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now it." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Have you her photograph?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in will not take me long to tell. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and was not a bird to be seen there. amused." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. murdered man." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Did he not advertise?" walking." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, desk. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 someone who had been in Australia." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "And I say east," said my patient. to miss it." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Yes, he did." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. weighed down with some great anxiety. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about never to learn it at all." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Ten will be early enough." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up question you as to those details which seem to me to be most both be extremely obliged.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and any." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his look upon these things in a different way." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I am sure." was a perfect sample of the class. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I experiences." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Here?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "And what did you learn from him?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Why did you beat the pavement?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Was there a secret marriage?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll