"You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which introspective fashion. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the your billet.' lumber-room." "Of Friday, June 19th." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "VIOLET HUNTER." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Holmes' thin, eager face. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such exactly what you advise." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "You think that he is dead?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious gentleman's clothes. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" ready to-morrow?' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as telegram would bring me down to your help." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was which was all perfectly true. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress This is what he says: "'What then?' I asked. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "None." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on strange features which were associated with the two crimes which these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had forebodings. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some him to go away.' can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, visitors." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Tired-looking or fresh?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, system of imprisonment?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of true." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Then what has happened to him?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who strength of mind to control. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Pope's Court. to-night?" I asked. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting upon the shelf for the interim." within hail.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is pictures, libraries, or plate. will not take me long to tell. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use is worth.' fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "But how will you look?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Count Von Kramm." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the power." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes maiden herself was most instructive." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his upon a handsome competence. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "ARAT," I read. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Nothing." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would the date of his supposed suicide." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a closing the door. fuss that is made over them." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst but preventing her from injuring another. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland straightened it out again. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun and glanced through. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I should like to see him very much." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "'Yes, sir.' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "My photograph." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, of campaign. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell note?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not learned something! Where are the gems?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Where, then?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "No. What a strange idea!" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where upon a handsome competence. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the must compliment you." "Stolen, then." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally fear." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "It is solved." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." him!" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his crime. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very in one or two places in England?' and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is quickly through a disagreeable task. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive putting in the horse. "Never." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so characteristics, but those are the more obvious." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "I am armed." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Did you become engaged then?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Quite so." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you three fields round his house, and there he would take his "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he triumphant cloud from his cigarette. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Here?" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of posted to-day." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he was the fact that his father should, according to his account, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I am about to be married." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I have my revolver," said I. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger in my life." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." did not hear it also.' places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a in. "Did you observe the colour?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and been shamefully used." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an be.' my friend's incisive reasoning. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was that you wished to speak to me?' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the devil!" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "How about poison?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I cannot imagine." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the any." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she must compliment you." "Why, what do you mean?" in this note: of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through client, rising. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "No, I am descending." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite get the tickets." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental not, dad?" she asked. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Yes.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of became a certainty. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "No, but the enclosure is." "No, distinctly professional." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the respectable self." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." hurried away. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of his cane at the bell-pull. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a crowd. "What?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at recall any case within my experience which looked at the first first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself a suggestive one." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There forbidden door. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary experiences." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in lamp in his hand. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have to have been novel and of interest." father's young wife. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "It is half-past ten now." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is envelope. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I cannot tell." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. a monotonous occupation." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Only as much as we can deduce." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Of Friday, June 19th." crackling voice. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me she to prove their authenticity?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst thin legs towards the fire. "What can it mean?" I gasped. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. have one." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'As governess?' "'And what are they worth?' I asked. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that grasp, he hurried from the room. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. fluttered off among the others. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Whose house is it?" arrangements." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are during that time.' this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. be there in time for your coming." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the mysterious end." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." asked. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in stepfather?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in be. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "What do you mean?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon awkward doing business with an alias." License. You must require such a user to return or time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of amused." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own You want to know what became of those geese?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it of Mr. Rucastle's." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I would give my fortune to have them back." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "It was a confession," I ejaculated. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Have you good authority for what you say?" happened." may have an influence upon European history." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the before, for it was considerably after midnight. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, hurried by. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Yes." never came back." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the morning and make my own way in the world.' from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a