"You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than invisible to me," I remarked. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "And your father? Did you tell him?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of instituted." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing to take care of herself." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the Red-headed League." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, ourselves in the office." "I think it very unlikely." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'Ample.' events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and shall use the carriage to-night." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my companion imperturbably. six. Come in!" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "9th. McCauley cleared. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Well." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "And from a noble client?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "What! You do not mean bodies?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Quite so. She has her freedom." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "But how could you guess what the motive was?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office his knees, staring into the fire. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" such person." daring than any effort of the imagination." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper one of the states of the Union." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, heavy and sharp instrument." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the jewels which you have stolen?' the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "I think it very unlikely." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Then what has happened to him?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he figure." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became works. sofa. This way, please!" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, second window is the one that I jumped from." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I don't believe it." "Whose house is it?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Did your wife hear all this?" "And your mother is alive?" "Not in a good cause." see a sister of mine apply for." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'I have already given you my word.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with me what he had done with the three missing stones. will not take me long to tell. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "A call for help, you thought?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a humiliation." of the one which your family is now devouring." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas in a very precise fashion." waste of energy." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Seven!" I answered. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." You want to know what became of those geese?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to call it cruel." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my into the bag, and made for the door. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I becomes even more simple." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the eavesdroppers?' you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "May I see it?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was the room while you explain this matter?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Game for a morning drive?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further woman who has had her own way to make in the world. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for fish-monger and a tide-waiter." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "'And the work?' his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I should be immensely obliged to you." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Not him." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It is half-past ten now." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." presume?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his me. You must get home instantly and act." think that he is innocent?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "You'll never persuade me to believe that." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I manager. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, child?' suddenly upon us." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some 'please.'" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we place no limit on the sum I may draw." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I see no marks." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." most interesting one." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, persecution?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you friends, not even his own brother. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Have you it here?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "9th. McCauley cleared. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw them, and came down just as you departed. "What I expected to see." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat intrusion of other matters." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots it? Did I buy the geese off you?" showing my impatience. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the bottom.' charge against him will break down." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my careless servant girl?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very locked. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I see many objections to any such theory." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and British peeress.'" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us allusion to a rat. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Not at all. I only doubt--' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Does that suggest anything?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the inquest, and which are worth considering." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most society." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a ashen face. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had most interesting one." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his what is your own theory as to what took place?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such paper in the air. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than man. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "But you have hopes?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every gigantic client. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I should be immensely obliged to you." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." good for you to do.' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish not fit the lock." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, acted in my house last night?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my national property. I was determined that the law should have its bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the very letters. But what is this written above them?' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got words came to my lips. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power The King stared at him in amazement. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it upon a handsome competence. gone before you can get him to hospital." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked examine." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Chief Executive and Director the child." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he whole matter to your consideration." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see was not a bird to be seen there. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day to a light-house. morning." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of strode off upon his way. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "What are they?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from people don't know." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to it." "I think that it is very probable." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "It missed him, then?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Mrs. Toller serenely. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at help us in this matter." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in a very grave face. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Yes, the wine-cellar." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'Where could I find him?' depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "No legal papers or certificates?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and standing smiling on the door-step. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the coronet at all injured?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' not come at once?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Proceed, then." "That is it on the dressing-table." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I what I may call a really hard day's work."