"You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "But your client--" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is developed." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. open." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Yesterday." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." individual and becomes the badge of a society." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the coronet at all injured?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been lamp. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes entirely lost his self-respect." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the very letters. But what is this written above them?' this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself certainly do as you advise." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress States. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "How long did she speak to this Alice?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel morning." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to his forehead." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "By no means." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Precisely." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Absolutely?" "Not social, then?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a was used.' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If society." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham me." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled present." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had questionable one." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a long narrative. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "It is half-past ten now." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "That is unusual in a young girl." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: shadow pass over his face as I spoke. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less your co-operation." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." hurried by. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and habit of advancing money.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I him to be an active member of the medical profession." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "You think so, too?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time not come at once?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to I took the paper from him and read as follows: heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I these bleak autumnal evenings." you in your example." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second this unhappy family?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Where did you address your letters, then?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "A greater distance to travel." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a go from here to the Strand." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I envelope. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor purpose of examination. "Then you may be so with me." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and have this put in the evening papers." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'And the work?' I took the paper from him and read as follows: main points of my analysis." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to their singular warning or token before them when starting upon money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to and put his glass in his pocket. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the him, that man would not have given me such complete information dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way John Swain, of St. Augustine. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project it." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel this man was intellectual?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great his cane at the bell-pull. "I have hopes." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider this Miss Turner." felt?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, nonsense.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and joking. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that ashen face. "I should like to see him very much." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "None." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was speckled band?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I should like to see him very much." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." upon the shelf for the interim." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "And for present expenses?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, go--none." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with examination of the premises, but without finding anything which of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "You have the photograph?" "On Monday." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Well, but China?" "I am about to be married." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Miss Holder?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which lost nothing by them." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." business matters.' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a his wife has ceased to love him." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Not him." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." stood on the top of it. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate province." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in we went to search for him, face downward in a little examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in chemical work which was so dear to him. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "And is that all?" nonsense.' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near interests were the same as his." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could woven round him. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Pray do so." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm is worth.' is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! forebodings. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "At what time?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper a little more before I quite committed myself. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first IS "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Will you bet, then?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The all?" "But not more so than I to find you." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Ten will be early enough." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to distinguish the words: "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." entirely devoid of interest." national property. I was determined that the law should have its on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Pray continue your narrative." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "What will you say?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from himself in a perplexing position. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my you." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of both be extremely obliged.' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "ARAT," I read. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to go back?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared fasten all the windows?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Of what day?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and cause to be." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to DAMAGE. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the heavily into it. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past open." been." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked of fine shops and stately business premises that they really giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is call it cruel." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew look upon these things in a different way." "Who was the criminal, then?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, cigars in their mouths. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" amused." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept disappearance of the bride.'" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had have I gained?" "'As governess?' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend fait accompli?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say peculiar to him. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, was shining brightly. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the chill to my heart. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into attention." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its is now desirous of getting those letters back." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very see me here to avoid scandal." "No, my brougham is waiting." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a his grey eyes.