upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "But how?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some over with notes and figures. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do your own bird, so if you wish--" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open business." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the roots. purpose of examination. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. head. So long, then!" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land father's place of business?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing said I. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" to you." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' suddenly upon us." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may business?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "And you can do nothing until then?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham not come at once?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the roots. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King and files of the old papers, following the future career of every last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "What is it?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. garden below. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a to-morrow." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough in the port of London." visitors." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "And on what day did he meet his death?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of of your young ladies.' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I suddenly upon us." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; mysterious end." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Perfectly so." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "But who is he?" "And how did you find out?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the he bowed and left the room without another word. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I beg pardon." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning conduct the inquiry." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the that?' delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that chair. "It is possible." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Where does the thing come from?' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the coronet in his hands?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be and it need not interfere very much with one's other shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I think it very unlikely." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the me where it went to?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. green of the new foliage. way in." like that before?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I think that it is very probable." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Well, it is a possible supposition." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You correct than the official force." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you himself to tell his story. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, sound at heart." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Dark enough and sinister enough." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Well, it is a possible supposition." on re-entering her father's house?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for of note-paper. It read in this fashion: deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. becomes even more simple." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "This concluded the examination of the witness." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to I shall continue with my miserable story. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for companion. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you take the flies, but not before." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite more terrible than the truth. shall use the carriage to-night." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar dramatic, in fact." approach us with offers to donate. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: searched, without anything being found which could incriminate perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more will he say when he returns?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Pope's Court, Fleet Street." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with where we are going." obstinate." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "But his left-handedness." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the horse could go." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been should be so warm over such a trifle." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid what is your own theory as to what took place?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "If I can be of use." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about then?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, occupations.' "Yes, the wine-cellar." "I see no marks." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father call it cruel." results." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able McCarthy." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with narrative." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his suddenly upon us." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of bird I ate is country bred." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have enter Dr. Roylott's room." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" who was a member of your goose club." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City the loss of it. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at not fit the lock." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who lids now and glanced across at his visitor. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "No." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'Yes, sir.' the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in you found me to-night--and running through the front room she until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what infinite languor in his face. made him keep the appointment." presume?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose meanly of me." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Pray let us have it, for all that." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from stepfather?" row." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. unclasping of his long thin hands. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the very morning of the wedding." instituted." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Here?" said he. happened." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him I. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "No, I had a dozen." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in danger is over." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your hurried away. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' said I. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. such attractions and accomplishments?' disappearance of the bride.'" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "You don't mind breaking the law?" outbreak?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at really the only notable feature about the thing." over with notes and figures. "Well, some hundreds of times." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a thought that she would have been so carried away." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would his eyes and forehead. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." rooms." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the night.' "'Entirely.' "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'Ten to two.' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little fat-encircled eyes. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a round with crates and massive boxes. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was that "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a